Life lessons kids can learn from Frozen 2 and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Two of the most anticipated blockbusters this year, Frozen 2 and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, are huge draws for kids.
Characters like Elsa and Anna, Kylo Ren and Rey, R2-D2 and Olaf have been launched as every kind of toy imaginable - from cute plushies to LEGO sets.
What can Star Wars and Frozen teach kids about mindfulness?
As adults, we can see the appeal of these movies. Hey, many of us are probably even fans ourselves.
But beyond the storylines with their feel good endings, these movies present an accessible way to talk to kids about bigger lessons. We can introduce traits and values such as courage, patience, overcoming obstacles and strength from the actions of the movies’ characters.
We can also identify for kids scenes where mindfulness is practised, or where a character shows emotional intelligence and understanding. More importantly, we can ask our children how they view the decisions and feelings of the characters.
We pick out three scenes from both movies to highlight to kids:
“Don’t tell me what things look like. Tell me what things are.”
Rey was advised to separate appearances from reality for better understanding of her situation and herself.
These lines are uttered by Princess Leia to Rey when the latter confesses she isn’t feeling up to the Jedi training. It’s essential kids begin to learn that what appears to be may not always be what they really are. This helps them be self-aware and observant to their own needs and environment around them.
Elsa in Frozen 2 has a similar issue. She felt restless and troubled despite everything going well in her kingdom of Arendelle. This leads us …
2. “Into the unknown.”
Elsa, Anna and their friends venture into the unknown in Frozen 2. What would your kid do when confronted with new, unfamiliar situations?
Both movies show main characters being challenged by new environments. Elsa and gang enter the Enchanted Forest; she even takes on the Dark Sea to get to Ahtohallan. Meanwhile, Rey and her friends hop from planet to planet seeking out the Emperor.
Discuss with kids how it might feel to go into somewhere that’s completely unfamiliar; how taking that leap is part of growing up and figuring how to solve a problem. Why is it important that characters have to do so? How did Elsa, Anna, Kristoff or Rey, Finn and Poe cope and adapt? What would your kids do?
3. “Be with me / Some things never change”
Rey and Kylo Ren face off. What will keep your kids going when they’re fighting obstacles is knowing they have your love and support.
Perhaps the most important thing we can point out from both movies is how the characters never find themselves alone. Even in their darkest hour, they could count on family and friends. Rey feels the force of her Jedi family to spur herself on for her most important battle while Elsa is sure she could always rely on Anna.
We have to tell our kids our love and support will never waver too. We’re their old stone walls that will never fall and we’ll still be there even when they misbehave or act out. They can feel secure, confident and courageous believing these certain certainties.